Graduation ceremonies

Name

It is essential you have your legal name on your certificate.

Changes need to be initiated 21 days before your ceremony.

How to update your name.

Address and contact

We need to know where to post your graduation testamur, so we will post it to the 'preferred address' that we have on file for you. Please check your preferred address in eStudent. If you are no longer able to access eStudent, contact UConnect to update your details.

Award

When you receive the letter that says you will be eligible to graduate, please check that the name of your award listed in the letter is correct. If it isn't correct, you can contact UConnect.

If you have outstanding fees or other sanctions against you, you may not be able to graduate. Current sanctions are listed on the My Details page in eStudent.

Let us know if you will be attending your big day.

Register for your graduation ceremony

Can't make it? Find out what happens if you won't be attending your graduation ceremony.

To find out more about what to wear and how to order your academic dress, visit academic dress.

You will be allocated a seat for your graduation.

• Please be seated 30 minutes before your ceremony’s commencement time.
• Ushers will be there to help you find your seat. As you will graduate in the order you are seated, it’s very important that you do not swap seats with anyone else.
• There will be a compulsory briefing on how to Graduate 10 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony.
• Wheelchair access is available at all venues. If you have accessibility requirements, such as using a wheelchair, crutches or a guide dog, please let us know by emailing u.connect@utas.edu.au.

Guest seating is general admission.

• All guests are required to have a valid ticket for the ceremony. They should be seated at least 15 minutes before the ceremony commencement time.
• As guests will not have allocated seats, please let them know to arrive early to get the position they want.
• Please note, guests will not usually be admitted after the ceremony has started.
• Wheelchair access is available at all venues. If your guests have accessibility requirements, such as using a wheelchair, crutches or a guide dog, please reach out to the venue directly to discuss access options.

Graduation ceremonies are formal occasions with several speeches and are, therefore, not always suitable for young children.

Please consider the length and timing of graduation ceremonies when thinking about bringing children. Each ceremony is approximately 60 - 90 minutes in length with many formal speeches.

Children will require a ticket unless sitting on a carer’s lap.

Yes, companions are welcome to attend events to support a guest. We understand the importance of having support and strive to create an inclusive and accommodating environment for all attendees. In line with state accessibility policies and our venues' guidelines, companions must provide a valid companion card to secure a complimentary ticket.

To arrange this, please contact graduation.events@utas.edu.au with a copy of the companion card.

Each ceremony begins with a procession of university leadership and academics to the stage. The Chancellor will then deliver some opening remarks and the Occasional Address will be made by the guest speaker.

Graduates and diplomates will cross the stage and be presented to the Chancellor. Graduates and diplomates then acknowledge the Chancellor by doffing their hat before being congratulated.

Whilst on stage, you’ll have the chance to pose for a photograph with the Chancellor. You’ll be given your testamur and alumni pin.

The ceremony usually lasts for 60-90 minutes. Afterwards, the Chancellor will invite you and your guests to refreshments.

You don't need to apply to graduate. You’ll receive a graduation eligibility letter from the Graduation Office in February for the Autumn graduations, mid-June for Winter graduations and mid-October for December graduations. This will confirm your potential eligibility to graduate, subject to completing any last course requirements and payment of outstanding fees. You can also find your graduation information in eStudent.

Find out more about eligibility (student portal).

Name

It is essential you have your legal name on your certificate.

Changes need to be initiated 21 days before your ceremony.

How to update your name.

Address and contact

We need to know where to post your graduation testamur, so we will post it to the 'preferred address' that we have on file for you. Please check your preferred address in eStudent. If you are no longer able to access eStudent, contact UConnect
to update your details.

You can’t defer your graduation, but you don’t have to attend your ceremony if you don’t wish to.

If you don’t come to your ceremony, you’ll graduate in absentia. Your testamur will be sent to you by Registered Post (within Australia) or EMS Courier (overseas) after the conclusion of the graduation round. If your documents are being sent to a non-Australian address, please allow extra time for delivery.

You’ll receive a digital testamur, academic transcript and Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS). These documents will be available in My eQuals, and you will receive an email in the days following graduation to let you know when you can view these documents, as well as instructions on how to register with the My eQuals website.

You can always attend a ceremony in the future if you decide later. Refer to 'Can I attend a future ceremony instead?' below.

Email U.Connect@utas.edu.au. Your testamur will be posted out to you in 4-6 weeks after your graduation.  Please make sure your preferred postal address is updated in eStudent as soon as possible. To receive a refund, click on the link in your registration confirmation email and update your online order to cancel your tickets.  You can request a refund up until 24 after your ceremony time.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept late registrations. If you don’t register by the close date (or earlier if a ceremony reaches capacity), you’ll have to wait until a future round of graduation ceremonies.

You can always attend a ceremony in the future if you decide later. This is called ‘attending as a walk-through’, which is the same as everyone else except you won’t receive a testamur, because you already have it.

Your name will appear in the graduation program of the earlier ceremony, and you’ll be presented with a 'blank' certificate. This allows you to have your degree conferred at the appropriate time, while still having the opportunity to participate in a ceremony at a time convenient to you.

Please contact u.connect@utas.edu.au to be included in the current graduation round.

If you require support in attending your Graduation, whether this be venue accessibility, hearing, vision or general support, we are here to assist.

Find out more at:

• Disability support information for students graduating (PDF 89.2 KB)
• Disability support information for guests (PDF 114.8 KB)

Yes, accredited service animals are welcome at our Graduation events to assist guests with disabilities. Service animals must display their identification badge or medallion. We kindly ask that you bring any necessary items, such as water bowls and waste bags, to ensure the comfort of your service animal. Please note that other animals or pets are not permitted in accordance with our venues' policies.

• While we do not make academic dress compulsory, we would prefer all those participating in the ceremony to wear it. The academic dress set includes a gown, a mortar board or bonnet, and a hood and/or stole.
• Our graduation ceremonies are a formal occasion, and students and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately. As a general guide, think of what would be suitable for a special dinner or a job interview.
• The colours associated with academic dress generally distinguish the college you belong to (or, in some cases, the discipline within a college). You’ll be provided with the correct dress for your award as per our Academic Dress Guide PDF 203.0 KB. Please note that academic dress not sourced through our preferred supplier may not provide you with regalia that is an exact match.
• If you are receiving a diploma or certificate, your gown and hood will reflect the colors associated with your degree. If you hold a higher degree (e.g., a Master's or PhD) and wish to wear the colors from the higher degree instead, you must notify us by emailing U.Connect@utas.edu.au before the registration deadline.
  Please note: We cannot accommodate requests for changes on the day of the ceremony.
• If you’re receiving a two or more awards, and are graduating for both degrees in one ceremony, you’ll only need to place one order. Please notify us by email to U.Connect@utas.edu.au if you have a higher award as we will organise academic dress based on what you are graduating with.
• Our academic dress is patterned on that used at the University of Oxford.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are invited to wear a coloured scarf to celebrate their cultural heritage, supplied by the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Aboriginal Leadership.

• When you register to attend your ceremony, you will be able to hire your academic dress from the University's preferred supplier.
• Payment is required at the time of booking academic dress.
• Academic dress hire prices vary depending on your requirements - as a general rule:
  • Full set:  $90 includes gown, hood/stole & mortarboard (full set to be returned, mortarboard is yours to keep)
  • Doctor of Philosophy full set: $90 includes gown, hood & bonnet  (full set to be returned including bonnet)
  • Hood/stole only:  $30

You will be able to collect your gown at the location of your graduation ceremony. Unfortunately, gown collections cannot be accommodated in a city different from where your ceremony will be held. Gown collection times are as follows:

Launceston 
Launceston Conference Centre - 50 Glen Dhu Street, Launceston

• Dates TBA

Hobart 
Mystate Bank Arena - 601 Brooker Hwy, Glenorchy

• Dates TBA

• If you're unable to make the designated collection time for your ceremony, someone can collect on your behalf provided they have your order confirmation. Alternatively, you can collect your academic dress on the day of your graduation. Please arrive early to allow plenty of time to collect prior to your ceremony.
• You will be able to collect your gown at the location of your graduation ceremony. Unfortunately, gown collections cannot be accommodated in a city different from where your ceremony will be held.
• Please return your academic dress no later than one hour after your ceremony concludes, unless you've made prior arrangements with our gown hire provider.
• Failure to return academic dress on time may incur a charge equivalent to the purchase price of the regalia. Purchase price is three times the hire price.

Yes, both staff and students are welcome to purchase University of Tasmania academic dress from our supplier, Blashki.

Purchase academic dress

When you place your order online, you’ll have the option to select your size, based on your height. You’ll be fitted for the correct size when you pick up your academic dress.

• Academic dress is worn over your normal attire. 
  • Please note that what you’re wearing underneath will be visible. For this reason, business attire and comfortable shoes are highly recommended. The gowns are quite heavy, so you may want to remove any jackets.
  • Gown: The gown is worn over the top of your clothing like a jacket. Undergraduates’ arms go through the sleeve, while postgraduate students’ arms slide through an opening in the sleeve.
  • Hood: For all degrees, the hood is then placed over the top of your gown and worn with the colour hanging down the back of the gown and the V at the front of your neck.
  • Mortarboard & Bonnet: The Mortarboard or Bonnet is worn with the shallow part to the front of your head and the deep part at the back of the head, with the tassel placed on the left (over your left ear).
• If you’re confused about your academic dress, don’t worry. Staff will be there to help you.

Examples

No, just turn up on the day and gather your family and friends for a free sitting. You can have your photo taken before or after your graduation.

Photos will be available online for viewing and purchasing after the event, you can decide later if you want to purchase the photos or you can purchase them on the day. The photo sitting is a no obligation session that we encourage all students to partake in.

Yes, our professional photographer will be there to capture your photo as you cross the stage.

You will be sent a link after Graduations to download your photo. Please ensure you download this photo as soon as possible as they are only available for a short period of time.

Yes, they are more then welcome to take photos and videos during the ceremony. Please ensure all guests are mindful of others in the audience when taking photos, not to stand in front of or block anyone's view.

Ceremony venues are located in or close to their respective cities, and are accessible by bus or taxi/uber or personal vehicle due to ample parking at each venue.

There are many great hotels and Airbnb's close to all our venues.

Ride Share Services
The pick-up and drop off point for the ride share services, such as Uber, is located in front of Entry 1. We encourage guests not to order their ride share service until they have reached the pick-up point to avoid causing congestion in the pick-up area.

Bus Services
To plan your journey at Metro bus services.

Taxis
There is a taxi rank available from Entry 1.

Parking
MyState Bank Arena has over 1,000 car spaces over two car parks within the precinct.

Car Park West Accessed from the Brooker Highway.
Located near Entrance 1 & 2 of the Arena, with accessible parking and drop off and pick up zones.

Car Park East Accessed from Goodwood Road and along Loyd Road.
Located near Entrance 3 and the Derwent Room, with accessible parking and drop off and pick up.

MyState Bank Arena will have Car Parking Attendants to help facilitate the flow of traffic for most events. Please follow all instructions given by MyState Bank Arena Car Parking staff when parking your vehicle.

Additional off-site parking is available at KGV and Montrose Bay. These parking spaces are not managed by MyState Bank Arena and fees and charges may apply.

There is an abundant amount of free off-street parking, and well as undercover parking and disability access.

Entry to the Paranaple Convention Centre is via Market Square, the central pedestrian square located off Rooke Street and in the heart of the Paranaple precinct.

Market Square is adjacent to the multi-level car park, accessible from Best Street and Fenton Way.

The entrance to the Paranaple Convention Centre is through automatic doors directly off Market Square. Universal access is available at the touch of a button, providing ease for patrons with access difficulties.

CBD (Multi-level) Car Park – Pay As You Leave Car Parks

The multi-level car park is located directly behind the Paranaple Convention Centre, with disability parking, elevator access and a flat walking surface between the car park and Paranple precinct. Fees apply.

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6.00pm – $1.00 per half hour.
Saturday and Sunday and after 6pm Monday to Friday – $2.00 flat fee.

$5.00 all-day parking is available on the top level of the car park.